speakershttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/156/all
enThe Week's Best Deals for Your Mac and iOS Device, Pre-Black Friday Editionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_preblack_friday_edition
<!--paging_filter--><p>In the spirit of the season, we're taking on one of our own columns here on Mac|Life and going toe-to-toe, price tag to price tag. There's a <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/features/black-friday-cyber-monday-mac-iphone-ipad-deals-2014">great round up of Black Friday deals</a> on our front page today, but let's see if we can beat a few of those deals with some refurb selections. Keep in mind, the Black Friday&nbsp;prices highlighted elsewhere&nbsp;are on new items. Still shrink-wrapped, still in the box, untouched by human hand since they came off the assembly line and were packaged up. Our refurbs are used products, to be sure, but Apple-certified as good to go. So if you don't mind used Apples, let the games begin!</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_preblack_friday_edition#commentsGalleryairplay speakersBlack Fridayblack friday dealsbluetoothBluetooth SpeakersDealsExternal Batteryexternal hard driveHeadphonesiMaciPadiPad AiriPad caseiPad MiniiPad mini 2iphoneiphone 6iPhone 6 caseiPhone caseiPod touchMacBookmacbook airmacbook prorefurbRefurbishedrefurbssalesspeakersweekly dealswireless speakersWed, 26 Nov 2014 18:53:08 +0000J Keirn-Swanson20997 at http://www.maclife.comReview: Eclipse TD-M1 Speakershttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/review_eclipse_tdm1_speakers
<!--paging_filter--><p>The Eclipse TD-M1 is not a cheap pair of speakers; in fact, the thought of dropping $1,300 on them gives us the cold sweats. But ease of use, stylish good looks, and a gorgeous sound make Eclipse’s TD-M1s worth considering.</p><p>What you get for your money is a 2.0 system — two discrete speakers, but no sub-woofer to boost the low end. The speakers also have an integrated 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), so there’s no need to install one separately.</p><p><img src="/files/u332541/2014/11/eclipse_620.png" width="620" height="420" /></p><p>The TD-M1s are designed very much with the Apple user in mind. Naturally, they’re AirPlay-compatible, so you can connect them to your home network and stream music from sources that offer AirPlay and are connected to the same network. They also offer a direct AirPlay connection, enabling you to stream from compatible devices directly to the speakers, without using a network at all.</p><p>Other connectivity options are available, of course. There’s a USB A socket for your iPhone, iPod, or iPad (which charges them as well as providing an audio input source), a USB B port for connection to a Mac, and a 1/8-inch AUX socket to connect external devices such as a TV or CD player or just about anything that can take headphones.</p><p>If you own an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you can control your TD-M1s through an iOS app. This lets you put the speakers into standby mode, choose an input source, adjust the volume and mute the sound.</p><p>Even the briefest listen clearly shows these speakers are something special. Vocal reproduction is especially noteworthy; every note and nuance is reproduced with pitch-perfect precision, giving a warmth and depth that’s seldom heard on home speakers. If you like opera or classical music, they’ll add a whole new dimension to your music.</p><p>Mid-tones are crisp, rich and clear too. Indeed, the sound stage as a whole is beautifully realized, with each individual element flawlessly integrated into the overall audio output, giving a completeness that’s sorely lacking in lesser (cheaper) speaker sets.</p><p><strong>The bottom line.</strong> These Eclipse TD-M1 AirPlay speakers offer a beautiful sound. Lively and intense, they can breathe new life into your old CDs. Previous models in the TD series were a little lacking in bass, but Eclipse has put in a lot of effort in correcting this with the M1s. Don’t waste their talents on over-compressed MP3s.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Eclipse TD-M1</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Eclipse </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.eclipse-td.net" target="_blank">www.eclipse-td.net</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
$1,300 </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>AirPlay-compatible device, Mac with a USB port</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Incredible sound stage. Gorgeous good looks. Wide range of connectivity options.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>No bundled remote. Expensive. Bass a little lacking.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/review_eclipse_tdm1_speakers#commentsReviewsaccessoryairplay speakersAudioEclipse TD-M1speakersiPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 06 Nov 2014 21:03:27 +0000Ian Osborne20896 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's Best Deals for Your Mac and iOS Device, September 4http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_september_4
<!--paging_filter--><p>As everyone who reads these columns more than once knows that we like to focus on refurbs that aren't too old. Picking a Mac that's 2 years old gets you a decent enough machine, but everyone prefers brand-spanking new. This week, we're excited because there are some MacBook Airs in here from THIS YEAR. That's pretty doggone new, and all our others are less than 1 year old, so these are some pretty sweet refurbs in action.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_september_4#commentsGalleryDealsBelkinbluetooth keyboardBluetooth SpeakersDealsEarPodsExternal BatteryHeadphonesiMaciPadiPad keyboardipad wireless keyboardiphoneiphone 5iphone 5 caseiPhone 5Siphone 5S caseiPhone caseKeyboardlightning cableLogitechMacBookmacbook airmacbook proMophiemophie batteryrefurbRefurbishedrefurbsspeakersweekly dealswireless keyboardwireless speakersZAGGThu, 04 Sep 2014 17:28:34 +0000J Keirn-Swanson20575 at http://www.maclife.comAsk: Mac Speaker/Headphone Problemhttp://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/ask_mac_speakerheadphone_problem
<!--paging_filter--><p>Got an Apple, Mac, or iOS tech question? We have the answer. In this week's installment of Ask, we'll let you know what to do if your Mac's audio is playing through its speakers when you're trying to use headphones.</p><p><strong>Question: Whenever I try using headphones with my iMac, the internal speakers remain active, so I get audio through the speakers in addition to my headphones. Why is this happening and how can I fix it so the sound is only coming through the headphones?</strong></p><p>Answer: This is an issue that can easily happen if you are using USB-based headphones. By default, OS X will keep playing sound through the internal speakers even after a USB headset has been connected. Fortunately, this is easy to correct. Follow these steps to correct the issue, and get your Mac playing audio through the desired location:&nbsp;</p><p>01. In the top left corner of the screen, click on the Apple logo and select "System Preferences."</p><p>02. Select the "Sound" System Preference Pane.&nbsp;</p><p>03. Go to both "Output" and "Input," and select your headset in both menus. If the change does not take place automatically, close the menu (by pressing the red button in the top left corner of the window), and disconnect then reconnect the headset.&nbsp;</p><p>This set of steps should only need to be performed once when your headphones experience this issue.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u332541/2014/08/ask_headphones.png" width="620" height="461" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Use the Sound preferences to make sure that your Mac's audio is being emitted only through the headphones.</span></strong></p><p>Ask is written by Cory Bohon, a freelance technology writer, indie Mac and iOS developer, and amateur photographer.</p><p>Got a tech question? Email <a href="mailto:ask@maclife.com" target="_blank">ask@maclife.com</a>.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/ask_mac_speakerheadphone_problem#commentsAskAudiobluetoothColumnsHeadphonesspeakersTipstricksMacHow-TosFri, 29 Aug 2014 17:05:00 +0000Cory Bohon20545 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's Best Deals for Your Mac and iOS Device, June 26http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_june_26
<!--paging_filter--><p>So Apple cut prices on their iMacs and put a little bit of spec bump into things, but what are you paying for and what are you getting for that money? We've got some of the standout items like Mac minis (get 'em while they're hot) and the usual assortment of slashed price laptops. But what can you get in a refurb iMac for the same price as the new iMac? Let's take a look.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_june_26#commentsGallerybluetoothbluetooth headphonesDealsdockExternal Batteryexternal speakersfontsHeadphonesiMaciphoneiPhone lensLensLightningMac minimacbook airmacbook prorefurbRefurbishedrefurbssalesspeakersStandsweekly dealsThu, 26 Jun 2014 19:26:53 +0000J Keirn-Swanson20219 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Amazon Prime Music, Apple EU Tax Probe, Mac Pros Now Readily Availablehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_amazon_prime_music_apple_eu_tax_probe_mac_pros_now_readily_available
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/amazon_prime_music_good_news_620px.png" alt="Amazon Prime Music good news" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>A bit of both happy and sad news for users of the Photoful app this week: <a href="http://photodrive.io/preview" target="_blank">Developer Jeff Bargmann announced</a> that he's packed his bags and headed to Yahoo, where he'll be working full-time as part of the Flickr team. Bargmann's unreleased PhotoDrive app apparently caught the eye of <a href="http://flickr.tumblr.com/post/88389765751/welcoming-jeff-bargmann-to-flickr" target="_blank">Flickr executive Bernardo Hernandez</a>, so we look forward to seeing what the new pairing comes up with, even though the existing apps will be shut down. Congrats, Jeff!</p><h3>Amazon Prime Music Launches with Rebranded iOS App</h3><p>Amazon Prime subscribers may still be stinging from the recent $20 per year price increase, but it looks like it's being put to good use. As rumored recently, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=sd_allcat_prime_music?ie=UTF8&amp;node=8335758011" target="_blank">Amazon launched a new Prime Music service</a>, offering unlimited, ad-free streaming for more than a million songs and hundreds of playlists, all free for Prime subscribers. The launch also comes with the rebranding of the Amazon Cloud Player app, which is now known simply as <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazon-music/id510855668?mt=8" target="_blank">Amazon Music</a> and likewise includes Prime Music streaming while on the go.</p><h3>EU Launches Probe Into Apple's Irish Tax Shelter</h3><p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-11/tax-breaks-for-apple-to-starbucks-probed-by-eu-watchdog.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg reported Wednesday</a> that companies like Apple and Starbucks are under fire in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg now that the European Union has launched an investigation into "illegal state aid," which has cost the united governments upwards of one trillion euros (USD$1.4 trillion) each year. “Apple pays every euro of every tax that we owe,” the company said in an e-mailed statement. “We have received no selective treatment from Irish officials. Apple is subject to the same tax laws as scores of other international companies doing business in Ireland.” This isn't the first time the Cupertino company has been in hot water over foreign taxes — with a negotiated tax rate of less than two percent in Ireland, a U.S. senate report also singled out Apple last year.</p><h3>Logitech Debuts New Space-Saving 2.1 Multimedia Speakers</h3><p>If you happen to be in the market for new speakers for your Mac or PC, Logitech has just announced a new 2.1 multimedia speaker system that promises to really bring music, movies, and games to life with rich bass. Featuring two satellite speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, the <a href="http://www.logitech.com/news/z213speakers" target="_blank">Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z213</a> are affordably priced at $29.99 and the space-saving design makes them perfectly suited for any system. Couple the Z213 with Logitech's Bluetooth Audio Adapter (available separately) and the jams get pumping without wires. The Logitech Multimedia Speakers Z213 will be available in U.S. retail and online stores later this month.</p><h3>Denial of Service Attack Brings Feedly, Others to Its Knees</h3><p>Have trouble logging in to Feedly or Evernote yesterday? <a href="http://blog.feedly.com/2014/06/11/denial-of-service-attack/" target="_blank">According to the Building Feedly blog</a>, a distributed denial of service attack (DDos) pummeled a number of Internet services early Wednesday, a coordinated assault by criminals who attempted to extort money from the RSS sync provider. Feedly "refused to give in" and the company regained control of its service yesterday afternoon. "We are working in parallel with other victims of the same group and with law enforcement," the blog post elaborated, referring to services like Evernote who were also briefly affected by the attackers. At this writing, everything seems to be back to normal for those affected.</p><h3>Apple Online Store Now Shipping Mac Pro Within 24 Hours</h3><p>Frustrated by the long wait to get your hands on one of those new Mac Pro computers? <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/06/11/mac-pro-24-hours/" target="_blank">MacRumors reported Wednesday</a> that Apple's supply appears to finally be catching up to demand nearly six months after launch, with "available to ship" times now "within 24 hours" for the first time. In some cases, units are even available for same-day pickup in many retail locations. Maybe CEO Tim Cook lit a fire under the ass of factory workers in Austin, Texas, where he toured last week while in town to inaugurate the Mac maker's rebooted campus there.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_amazon_prime_music_apple_eu_tax_probe_mac_pros_now_readily_available#commentsNewsAmazon MusicAmazon PrimeApple Online StoreEuropean UnionFeedlyLogitechMac Proovernight recapspeakerstax breakiPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 12 Jun 2014 12:28:22 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20128 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's Best Deals for Your Mac and iOS Device, March 27http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_march_27
<!--paging_filter--><p>A lot of people think "old" when they read "refurb" or "used" so we've made sure that all of this week's refurb models of Macs are as fresh as can be. Not one model predates last year and some of them are just barely a year old and some even less than that. So let's have a look at these gently used deals, buffed to a high gloss shine by Apple. And if that doesn't tempt you, we even have some great deals on brand new Macs and, as always, a round up of the hot discount gear ready and waiting for you.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_march_27#commentsGalleryNewsAlarm clockarmorcasebluetoothbluetooth keyboardbluetooth keyboard caseBluetooth SpeakerscameraDealsdocksexternal hard driveHeadphonesiMaciPadiPad DockiPad Miniipad mini caseiphoneiPhone caseiPhone dockKensingtonkeyboard caseMacBookmacbook airmacbook proprice cutsprice dropsrefurbRefurbishedrefurbsRemote Controlretina displaysmart casespeakerswallet caseweekly dealswireless speakersThu, 27 Mar 2014 19:31:46 +0000J Keirn-Swanson19638 at http://www.maclife.comWin SuperTooth Disco Twin Speakers!http://www.maclife.com/December_13_Win
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u332541/supertooth_disco_620.png" width="620" height="484" /></p><p>The <a href="http://www.supertooth.net/EN/DISCOTWIN/#page=page-1" target="_blank">SuperTooth Disco Twin speakers</a> (ARV: $199) let you enhance your audio experience with a high-efficiency bass-reflex system that pumps out 16 watts of RMS power per speaker. Compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device—such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac—the speakers offer true stereo sound and around four hours of nonstop play at the maximum volume. Win a pair of speakers for free by signing up for this month’s promotion!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cqe1HfgPDsJ53wPCBwaBMVZW8WdvKTk4ibL18nsCIHM/viewform?embedded=true" width="600" height="500" frameborder="0">Loading...</iframe></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The fine print:</strong></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Win SuperTooth Disco Twin Speakers!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">OFFICIAL RULES &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1. &nbsp;SPONSOR: &nbsp;This promotion (the “Sweepstakes”) is sponsored by FUTURE US, INC., 4000 Shoreline Court, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (“Sponsor”), is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Inc. or SUPERTOOTH and is subject to the following terms and conditions. &nbsp;Sweepstakes is being administered by Future US, Inc., 4000 Shoreline Court, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, +1 (650) 872-1642. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2. &nbsp;ELIGIBILITY: &nbsp;Sweepstakes open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia, except where prohibited or restricted by law. &nbsp;Entrants must have attained the age of majority in their state of residence (usually at least eighteen (18) years of age) at time of entry, possess a valid form of unexpired government-issued photo identification and have a valid email address. &nbsp;Invalid or ineligible entries shall be excluded from consideration. &nbsp;Employees of Sponsor, its respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, advertising, promotion, or production agencies, any companies who are promotional participants or prize providers, web masters and web suppliers, and the foregoing employees’ household or immediate family members (defined as parent, spouse, child, sibling, or grandparent) are NOT eligible to enter Sweepstakes. &nbsp;By their submission of entry, entrants warrant they are legally entitled and authorized to make such submission, either on their own behalf, or as to information submitted upon the express authorization of another on whose behalf the information is submitted. &nbsp;In the event of a dispute as to the winner’s identity for online entries received from multiple users having the same email account, entries will be deemed made by the authorized subscriber of the mail account associated with the entry. &nbsp;The authorized account subscriber is the natural person who is assigned the email address by the internet service provider (ISP), on-line service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3. &nbsp;TIMING: &nbsp;Sweepstakes begins at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time on 11/1/2013 and ends at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time on 12/16/2013. &nbsp;Sponsor’s computer will be the official time clock for the Sweepstakes. &nbsp;Online and mailed entries must be received by Sponsor by 06:00 p.m. Pacific time on 12/16/2013 to be eligible. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">4. &nbsp;HOW TO ENTER: &nbsp;Enter online at www.maclife.com/December_13_Win OR by mailing a hand-written postcard no larger than 3.5” x 5” to MacLife, Win Super Tooth Disco Twin Speakers, c/o Future US, Inc., 4000 Shoreline Court, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, providing your complete name, address, city, state, zip code, birthdate, and email address. &nbsp;LIMIT ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD, REGARDLESS OF FORM OF ENTRY. &nbsp;Use of automated devices or methods of submission are not valid forms of entry. &nbsp;Any attempt at email or other alternative Internet entry is void. &nbsp;Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5. &nbsp;PRIZES AND ODDS:&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">One winner will receive one “Grand Prize” which consists of a pair of SUPERTOOTH Disco Twin Speakers compatible with all devices (please advise a “Y cable will need to be purchased for TV- http://www.supertooth.net/STORE/EN/product.php?id_product=17). &nbsp;The Grand Prize features a pair of portable, rechargeable speakers featuring true right/left stereo, each unit equipped with 16 watts RMS audio power, double speakers in front and a high efficiency bass reflex system in back. &nbsp;Grand Prize has an approximate retail value of $199.00. &nbsp;Grand Prize must be delivered to address listed on winner’s entry, and delivery may take six to eight weeks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The odds of winning will be determined by the number of eligible entries received.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Prizes cannot be transferred, assigned, substituted, or redeemed for cash, and must be accepted as awarded, but Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any prize with a prize of equal or greater value should the advertised prize become unavailable for any reason. &nbsp;Prizes will not be fulfilled outside the United States and District of Columbia, will not be fulfilled in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. military installations in foreign countries, or in any other U.S. territories or possessions and will not be fulfilled where prohibited or restricted by law. &nbsp;Winner will be responsible for all taxes (federal, state, and local) and all expenses not listed herein related to acceptance and use of any prize. &nbsp;Any person winning $600 or more worth of prizes from Sponsor in a calendar year will receive an IRS form 1099 after the end of the calendar year in which the prizes were awarded, and copy of such form will be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">6. &nbsp;DRAWING: &nbsp;A potential winner will be selected by random drawing from all valid eligible entries received. &nbsp;Drawing will be held on or shortly after 12/17/2013. &nbsp;Drawing will be conducted by Sponsor, whose decisions on all matters related to the Sweepstakes shall be final and binding and within its sole discretion. &nbsp;Winning is contingent upon compliance with all terms and conditions set forth in these official rules; any entry drawn or any potential winner identified thereby found at any time to fail to comply with these official rules will be held invalid and ineligible for award.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7. &nbsp;NOTIFICATION: &nbsp;The potential winner will be notified by email by 12/18/2013. &nbsp;The potential winner so notified must complete, execute and return the provided Affidavit, Waiver, Release and Indemnity Agreement including, where lawful, a Publicity Release (plus any additional documents required at the discretion of Sponsor), within three (3) business days of attempted notice of prize award. &nbsp;If a potential winner fails to comply with the requirements of this paragraph (or if a prize notification or prize is returned as non-deliverable, or if the potential winner is found to be ineligible or not in compliance with these Official Rules, such prize will be forfeited, in which case the prize will be awarded to an alternate winner by random drawing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">To obtain any legally-required winner’s list, send a self-addressed envelope with sufficient prepaid postage to: MacLife, Win Cambridge Audio’s Minx Go Speaker!, c/o Future US, Inc., 4000 Shoreline Court, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080. &nbsp;(Residents of Vermont do not have to include return postage.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">8. &nbsp;PRIVACY POLICY: &nbsp;By participating in the Sweepstakes, you acknowledge and agree that Sponsor may collect the personal information submitted by you and use the information pursuant to Sponsor’s standard privacy policy, the terms of which can be found at http://www.futureus.com/privacy.php , which terms and conditions entrants accept and agree to by submission of entries pursuant to these official rules. &nbsp;Each entrant/winner also understands and agrees that he/she is providing information to Future US, Inc. and not to Facebook, Inc. or Audio Partnership Plc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">9. &nbsp;RELEASE: &nbsp;By participating in the Sweepstakes and/or accepting a prize, an entrant/winner agrees to defend, release and hold harmless the Sponsor, Facebook, Inc. and Audio Partnership Plc., and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, advertising, production and promotion agencies, any companies who are promotional participants or prize providers, web masters and web suppliers, and the foregoing companies’ officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives and agents (collectively “Releasees”) from and against any actions, claims and/or liability for injury, loss or damage of any kind to persons, including death, or property (including the violation or infringement of any proprietary or personal right of any individual or entity) resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation in the Sweepstakes, and/or the use, acceptance, or possession of a Sweepstakes prize, and/or participation in a Sweepstakes prize-related activity, including any action, claim or liability arising from the unauthorized submission of any information, and/or for any printing, production, technical, typographical, human or other error in the printing, offering or announcement of any prize.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">By participating in the Sweepstakes and/or accepting a prize, an entrant/winner consents to and gives the Sponsor the right to use, publish, and display a winner’s (and where applicable an entrant’s) name, likeness, city and state, and prize awarded, for the purpose of advertising, trade, publicity and promotional purposes in any media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the Web, in perpetuity, without review, notification or approval, and without additional consideration, unless prohibited by law.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">10. &nbsp;LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: &nbsp;Entrants agree that by participating in the Sweepstakes they release the Releasees from any liability in connection with: (a) Entries that are ineligible as a result of being lost, late, illegible, damaged, incomplete, inaccurate, delayed, unintelligible, non-delivered, stolen, postage due, or misdirected, or the failure to capture any such information; (b) Any typographical or other human or technical errors in the offer or administration of the Sweepstakes, including but not limited to errors in advertising, these official rules, the selection and announcement of a winner, or the distribution/awarding of a prize; (c) Any omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay, misdirection, damage, availability, accessibility, miscommunications, injury, technical malfunctions or traffic congestion in any mail delivery system, on the Internet/telephone network, or at any website, satellite, computer, telephone, cellular or cable transmissions or lines, or any combination thereof; (d) The unauthorized access to, or alteration of entries; (e) Jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions, computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties, or for any other errors of any kind, whether human, technical, mechanical, electronic or network, including, without limitation, any errors which may occur in connection with the administration of the Sweepstakes or in any Sweepstakes-related materials; and (f) Damage to en entrant or other person’s system or equipment occasioned by participation in this Sweepstakes or downloading materials from the Sweepstakes website, or any combination thereof. &nbsp;Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Sweepstakes or website, as solely determined by the Sponsor, will be disqualified (and all associated entries will be void), and Sponsor reserves the right to terminate such entrant’s eligibility to participate in this or any other promotion offered by Sponsor. &nbsp;Entries generated by robotic, programmed, script, macro or other automated means or by any means which subvert the entry process will be disqualified. &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sponsor reserves the right to modify these rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the term and conditions of the Sweepstakes. &nbsp;In the event that the Sweepstakes is infected by a computer virus/worm/bug, or is not capable of running or being executed as planned (as a result of but not limited to an error, omission, defect, delay, misdirection, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, action of entrants, or technical failure) or any other cause which in the sole opinion of Sponsor corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any suspect entry or entrant and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. &nbsp;In the event of such cancellation, termination, modification or suspension, notice thereof will be posted at the entry website mentioned above, and winner will be determined solely by Sponsor in a random drawing from among all eligible non-suspect and/or non-disqualified entries prior to action taken or as otherwise deemed fair and appropriate by Sponsor. &nbsp;In such event, Releasees shall have no liability to any entrant who is disqualified due to such an action. &nbsp;Failure to enforce any term of these official rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">IN NO EVENT WILL THE RELEASEES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE ENTRY WEBSITE OR DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM THE ENTRY WEBSITE MENTIONED ABOVE, OR ANY OTHER WEBSITE ASSOCIATED WITH SPONSOR. &nbsp;WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, EVERYTHING ON THE ENTRY WEBSITE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. &nbsp;CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">11. &nbsp;LAW: &nbsp;Subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. &nbsp;Void where prohibited or restricted. &nbsp;All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrants or Sponsor in connection with any drawing or award, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of, the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. &nbsp;Any cause of action by you with respect to the offer (and/or any information, products or services related thereto) must be instituted within one (1) year after the cause of action arose or be forever waived and barred. &nbsp;All actions shall be subject to the limitations set forth in above. &nbsp;The language in these official rules shall be interpreted as in accordance with its fair meaning and not strictly for or against either party. &nbsp;All legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with the offer of these official rules shall be brought solely in San Mateo County, California. &nbsp;You expressly submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of said courts and consent to extraterritorial service of process.</span></p>http://www.maclife.com/December_13_Win#commentsaccessoryAudiobluetoothContestdiscoiPadiphoneMacpromotionspeakerssupertoothSuperTooth Disco Twin SpeakersWin!Fri, 01 Nov 2013 19:29:50 +0000MacLife Staff18513 at http://www.maclife.comSoundlink Mini Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/soundlink_mini_review
<!--paging_filter--><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2013/10/screen_53.png" width="620" height="331" /></p><p>Portable speakers are known for being portable first, and sounding great...well, almost never. Bose is aiming to change that perception with the SoundLink Mini, a diminutive 1.5-pound speaker that connects to any device via Bluetooth. With seven hours of playback on a single charge, and surprisingly good bass, the SoundLink Mini is an itty-bitty powerhouse, whether it’s on your desk or hanging out in the backyard.</p><p>With its clean lines and aluminum enclosure, at first glance, you might mistake the SoundLink Mini for something designed by Apple. The matte-silver finish is similar to Apple’s brushed aluminum, and buttons are kept to a minimum, with a single row of six atop the device to control volume and other functions.</p><p>For charging, the SoundLink Mini includes a charging dock designed to be a stationary stand for the device. But the 7.1x2x2.3-inch device begs to be picked up and carried with you, whether that’s to another part of the house or on a trip to another city. The AC adapter can also plug into the device itself for charging—a rather curious choice that makes the charging stand somewhat unnecessary. It would make more sense to allow charging via the micro-USB port on the back, since your travel bag probably already includes a mini USB charger, but that port is reserved exclusively for future firmware updates.</p><p>Thanks to a pair of passive radiators, SoundLink Mini pumps out a surprising amount of bass for its small size. Though the bass falls off a bit at higher volumes, the SoundLink Mini avoids distorting, even when pushed to maximum volume. We listened to everything from classic Weezer tracks, full of drums and guitars, to the synthetic electronic beats of Disclosure’s “When a Fire Starts to Burn,” and SoundLink Mini kept up admirably. It’s best suited for a nightstand or desk, but can easily provide mood music in a small living room.</p><p>You can use the SoundLink Mini with any device that supports Bluetooth A2DP. It remembers up to six devices simultaneously, so you can go from Mac to iPhone to iPad and back without re-pairing devices. Reception is rated for about 30 feet, which is normal for a Bluetooth device, but Bose really got it right. Where numerous other Bluetooth devices have stuttered and failed at distances of less than half of that in our apartment, the SoundLink Mini’s reception was strong and dropout-free at even the higher end of that range. Unfortunately, the Soundlink Mini doesn’t support speakerphone use, as some other similar devices do, but there is a stereo input jack to connect devices without Bluetooth.</p><p><strong>The bottom line</strong>. Two hundred bucks is a lot of cash to spend on a portable speaker, but the SoundLink Mini delivers sound quality and a level of finish to match its price. It’s sturdy, small, and makes for a great listening experience, despite a few small drawbacks.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.bose.com" target="_blank">Soundlink Mini</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Bose </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.bose.com" target="_blank">www.bose.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
$199.95 </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Bluetooth-compatible device</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Sturdy build quality. Rechargeable battery. Extremely portable. Pairs with up to six devices at the same time.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>No speakerphone support. Doesn’t charge via USB.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/soundlink_mini_review#commentsReviewsAudioAudioAudio and MusicBoseHardwareMusicreviewssoundlink minispeakersThu, 31 Oct 2013 16:00:21 +0000Ray Aguilera18464 at http://www.maclife.comSonos Debuts $199 Play:1 Wireless Speakerhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/sonos_debuts_199_play1_wireless_speaker
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/sonos_play-1_speaker_620px.png" alt="Sonos Play:1" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Audiophiles have no problem spending a little extra scratch to get quality wireless speakers from the likes of Sonos, but the company just released a diminutive model aimed at those with lighter wallets.<br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/14/4835286/sonos-play1-its-most-affordable-wireless-speaker-price-availability" target="_blank"><br />The Verge reported Monday</a> that Sonos unveiled its latest wireless speaker this week, the compact <a href="http://www.sonos.com/introducing/play1" target="_blank">Play:1</a>, priced at $199. But unlike competitors, the latest offering is more of an extension than an answer to Bluetooth-enabled rivals.<br /><br />For one thing, the Sonos Play:1 requires an AC outlet for power, and isn't entirely wireless, since it also needs to be paired with a Sonos Bridge or plugged into a router via Ethernet. It's also not very portable at more than four pounds, 6.5 inches tall and 4.75 inches in circumference.<br /><br />Compared to other Sonos products, however, that's plenty compact enough for moving around the home, and the Play:1 doesn't appear to skimp when it comes to design chops, either.<br /><br />Last but not least, a pair of Play:1 speakers can be combined to provide stereo output, as well as with other Sonos products for a 5.1 surround setup in the living room or most anywhere else.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sonos.com/introducing/play1" target="_blank">Sonos Play:1 is now available direct from the manufacturer's website</a>, and is also offered at retail through Best Buy, Target and others.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/sonos_debuts_199_play1_wireless_speaker#commentsNewsaffordablebridgecompactexternal speakersPlay:1Sonosspeakersstereosurround soundwireless speakersiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 15 Oct 2013 12:55:03 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18320 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's Best Deals for Your Mac and iOS Device, October 3http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_october_3
<!--paging_filter--><p>With the iPad rumored for a refresh this month, there are plenty of refurb models of the current, soon-to-be-previous-generation models out there on the refresh end of things. Now, if you were the kind of person who might be interested in something like that, this would be a good place to save some money.</p><h3>iPads&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3><p><strong>Refurbished iPad with Retina display Wi-Fi 16GB</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/black_ipad_2.png" width="197" height="216" /><br />At the base model level, we're looking at an $80 savings, which nearly buys you a nice AppleCare extension. Whether you want it in <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD513LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-16gb-white-4th-generation">white</a> or if you go for traditional <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD510LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-16gb-black-4th-generation">black</a>, an easy $419 gets you the world's best selling tablet.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><strong>Refurbished iPad with Retina display Wi-Fi 32GB</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/ipad_4_white_0.png" width="341" height="421" /><br />What's $80 between friends? Skip the AppleCare and spend that dough on doubling your storage capacity with a $499 step up, in <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD514LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-32gb-white-4th-generation">white</a>,&nbsp;naturally, and in <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD511LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-32gb-black-4th-generation">black</a>, of course.<br /><br /><strong>Refurbished iPad with Retina display Wi-Fi + Cellular 16GB</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/ipad_4_1.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />Of course, once you mix cellular into things, the price does go up to $529, and the possible configurations get a bit more complicated. However, the price on the smallest model is the same whether Verizon gives you <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD525LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-cellular-for-verizon-16gb-white-4th-generation">white</a> or <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD522LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-cellular-for-verizon-16gb-black-4th-generation">black</a> iPad action or if you can count on the same <a href=" http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD519LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-cellular-for-att-16gb-white-4th-generation">white</a> or <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD516LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-cellular-for-att-16gb-black-4th-generation">black</a> possibilities from AT&amp;T.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><strong>Refurbished iPad with Retina display Wi-Fi 128GB </strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/ipad_screen_1.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />But if you want the magillah, and space — not cellular capability — is all you care about, this is the one for you. $679 gets you 128 whopping gigs in <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FE393LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-128gb-white-4th-generation">white</a> and in <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FE393LL/A/refurbished-ipad-with-retina-display-wi-fi-128gb-white-4th-generation">black</a>.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><strong>Refurbished iPad mini with Wi-Fi 16GB - Black &amp; Slate </strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/ipad_mini_held_0.png" width="400" height="252" /><br />Rumors say that Retina Display is coming in the next round of minis, but until that proves true or not, you could always opt for a refurb of this <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD528LL/A/refurbished-ipad-mini-with-wi-fi-16gb-black-slate">base model</a> for a mere $279.<br /><strong><br />&nbsp;Refurbished iPad mini with Wi-Fi + Cellular 64GB</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/ipad_mini_black_2.jpg" width="331" height="267" /><br />All the way at the other end of the spectrum is the biggest mini out there, packing Wi-Fi, cellular, and 64GB of storage. We've got Verizon in <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD545LL/A/refurbished-ipad-mini-with-wi-fi-cellular-for-verizon-64gb-white-silver">white</a> and <a href=" http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD542LL/A/refurbished-ipad-mini-with-wi-fi-cellular-for-verizon-64gb-black-slate">black</a>, and AT&amp;T in <a href=" http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD539LL/A/refurbished-ipad-mini-with-wi-fi-cellular-for-att-64gb-white-silver">white</a> and <a href=" http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD536LL/A/refurbished-ipad-mini-with-wi-fi-cellular-for-att-64gb-black-slate">black</a>, but if you're on Sprint, all we have is <a href=" http://store.apple.com/us/product/FE217LL/A/refurbished-ipad-mini-with-wi-fi-cellular-for-sprint-64gb-black-slate">the black</a>. $549 no matter your color, no matter your carrier.</p><h3>iOS Accessories</h3><p><strong>AeroVoice Lightning to Apple 30-Pin Adapter</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/aerovoice_lightning_to_apple_30-pin_adapter.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />So if you've got a lot of old cables lying around and <a href=" http://www.macmall.com/p/AeroVoice-Adapters-and-Gender-Changers/product~dpno~9701014~pdp.idbgghi">need a little Lightning love</a> for them, $14.99 gets you this fine corded adaptor.<br /><strong><br />BelleChic Lipstick 2,600mAh Battery Pack with USB Cable</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/lipstick_battery.png" width="375" height="373" /><br />Charge it up with this tiny little battery that <a href="https://www.bellechic.com/deals/lipstick-battery-pack/1d8b5b81297d/lipstick-battery-pack-and-usb-cable?utm_source=cj&amp;utm_campaign=dealnews.com">packs a wallop</a> for only $10.<br /><strong><br />Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD On-Ear Headphone w/ Built In Mic</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/beats_by_dr._dre_solo_hd_on-ear_headphone_w__built_in_mic_-_see_more_at-_http-_www.shnoop.com_sthash.dl5pkkb4.dpuf_.jpg" width="380" height="410" /><br />If you're <a href=" http://www.shnoop.com/">looking for a pair of Beats</a> but don't have the dough, here's where we've got you covered. The refurb model will set you up for only $88.99, but the deal won't last long.<br /><strong><br />Power Up: 7200mAh Solar PowerBank Portable Battery </strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/power_up_7200mah_solar_powerbank_portable_battery_.png" width="410" height="387" /><br />Get your juice from the big guy in the sky. $18 is <a href=" http://1sale.com/electronics/portable-electronics/solar-power-bank/?utm_source=dealnews&amp;utm_campaign=promo">a whopping 78% off</a> the regular price. Wow!<br /><strong><br />Philips - Twin Play Portable Video Viewer</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/philips_-_twin_play_portable_video_viewer.png" width="400" height="249" /><br />How many times have you watched a video with someone on your iPad and spent the whole time leaning the screen back and forth as you both jockeyed for the best view? <a href=" http://www.bestbuy.com/site/portable-video-viewer-for-apple-174-ipod-174-iphone-174-and-ipad-174/4876369.p?id=1218577512357&amp;ref=199&amp;loc=NKa3hZyYoHA&amp;siteID=NKa3hZyYoHA-Rtj0n5RfHbeqqPAmO6vxUQ">Only $80 gets you two monitors</a>. If you've ever driven with two children fighting over who gets to hold the iPad, this is your lucky day.<br /><strong><br />Naztech Leather Case with Detachable Bluetooth Keyboard with Bonus Stylus for iPad</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/naztech-12054.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />Detachable keyboards make us so happy with our iPad cases, and <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-12270/ipad-4-naztech-bluetooth/Detail">this slick leather case</a> is yours for $49.95, so that's detaching 50 percent of the cost.<br /><strong><br />Spinner Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/spinner_bluetooth_keyboard_case_for_ipad.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />Sometimes, you want your keyboard case to <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-15657/ipad-4-bluetooth-keyboard/Detail">give you a wee boost</a> and let you turn your iPad's orientation. That day came today for $54.95.<br /><strong><br />Dimples Hybrid Case for iPad</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/dimples_hybrid_case_for_ipad-1.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />Even the name is adorable in this <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-9865/ipad-4-dimples-hybrid/Detail">no-frills cute little case</a> for only $11.95.<br /><strong><br />All-In-One Smart Hybrid Case for iPad</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/all-in-one_smart_hybrid_case_for_ipad.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />The Smart Case is all fine and good, but what's to stop the <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-10563/ipad-4-smart-hybrid/Detail">back of your iPad getting scratched up</a>? Well, drop $13.95 instead of whatever Apple's charging, and get yourself some protection.<br /><strong><br />Naztech N3030 Hi-Fi Digital Universal FM Transmitter</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/naztech_n3030_hi-fi_digital_universal_fm_transmitter.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />True, your iPad basically just sits there in the car while you drive. Why not put it to work and <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-10229/naztech-hi-dsh-fi-digital-fm/Detail">play some music</a>, right through the car stereo, for only $17.95?<br /><strong><br />Mobi Headphonies Hi-Fi Amplified Speaker</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/mobi_headphonies_hi-fi_amplified_speaker.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />If you can't feel <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-13773/mobi-headphonies-amplified-speaker/Detail">the cuteness</a> pulsing through your monitor at this $18.95 deal of a plug-in speaker, then we can't help you.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong><br />Deluxe Smart Leather Case for iPad Mini</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/___deluxe_smart_leather_case_for_ipad_mini.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />We love how sporty this case looks for your iPad mini and <a href="http:// www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-16079/ipad-mini-leather-smart/Detail">at $13.95</a>, it's a heckuva deal.<br /><strong><br />Portfolio Leather Case with Detachable Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad Mini</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/portfolio_leather_case_with_detachable_bluetooth_keyboard_for_ipad_mini-4.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />Not sure why the photo's orientation is off, but this case is <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-16994/ipad-mini-bluetooth-keyboard/Detail">on the money</a> and the keyboard is off and the case is still on the money for $39.95.<br /><strong><br />MyWallet Leather Folio Smart Case for iPad Mini</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/mywallet_leather_folio_smart_case_for_ipad_mini.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />Tuck away <a href=" http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-14651/ipad-mini-smart-hybrid/Detail">a few credit cards and some ID</a> and hit the road in this $15.95 case.</p><h3>Really Darn Cheap</h3><p><strong>PayPal Here Mobile Credit Card Reader</strong><br /><img src="/files/u124583/paypalreader.jpg" width="400" height="400" /><br />This is our very first negative Really Darn Cheap. That's right, buy this dongle, make $2. Amazing. We've got something priced -$2.&nbsp; First cart it for $14.99, use code <a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7977266&amp;SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&amp;cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&amp;utm_source=Linkshare&amp;utm_medium=Affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=WxHRncoD05Y&amp;AffiliateID=WxHRncoD05Y-pNCzXJAEziR7tQ8EhSpOnA">LQX102553</a> to slice $2 off that, then <a href=" http://static.highspeedbackbone.net/rebates/15%20PPH%20Rebate%20Terms%20and%20Conditions.pdf">rebate this $15 coupon</a> and you've just made $2.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_october_3#commentsNewsBeatsBeats by Drebluetooth keyboardbluetooth keyboard caseexternal speakersHeadphonesiPadiPad caseiPad Miniipad mini caseipad with retina displaykeyboard caseMonitorsspeakersThu, 03 Oct 2013 20:50:48 +0000J Keirn-Swanson18228 at http://www.maclife.comUltimate Ears Unveils UE Mini Boom Speakershttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ultimate_ears_unveils_ue_mini_boom_speakers
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/ue_mini_boom_620px.png" alt="UE Mini Boom" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Looking to fill the room with big sound from your Bluetooth-enabled mobile device without wires of any kind? The folks at Ultimate Ears have just unveiled the latest member of its lineup that may just fit the bill.<br /><br />Logitech-owned <a href="http://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/press" target="_blank">Ultimate Ears announced Tuesday</a> the newest member of its speaker line, the <a href="http://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/mini-boom/" target="_blank">UE Mini Boom</a>, which the company bills as "a surprisingly small speaker that delivers unexpectedly huge sound."<br /><br />Available in your choice of five colors for $99.99, the UE Mini Boom is a compact, battery-powered speaker that streams from any Bluetooth-enabled device within a 50-foot range. With battery life up to 10 hours, the speaker also includes a micro-USB port for a quick recharge from almost anywhere.<br /><br />The most clever part of the UE Mini Boom is its ability to pair two of the speakers together using a free app for iOS and Android, which allows listeners to double their sound in a big way.<br /><a href="http://www.ultimateears.com/en-us/mini-boom/" target="_blank"><br />UE Mini Boom</a> is available in orange, purple, red, yellow or black and features a durable metal frame with rubber casing, perfect for home or travel. The speaker also doubles as a speakerphone for a connected smartphone, allowing calls to be answered or disconnected using a multi-function button.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ultimate_ears_unveils_ue_mini_boom_speakers#commentsNewsbluetoothLogitechmicro-USBpairingportable speakersspeakersUE Mini BoomUltimate Earswireless speakersiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 01 Oct 2013 13:41:29 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18200 at http://www.maclife.comWren V5AP Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/wren_v5ap_review
<!--paging_filter--><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u325188/2013/09/screen_41.png" width="620" height="465" /></p><p>Remember on Mad Men when Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce opened up shop, and Roger Sterling's office got the mod makeover? If AirPlay and iPhones were around in the 1960s, Wren's V5AP would have no doubt scored a spot right next to the vodka. But this speaker dock isn't just pretty; it's got the goods, whether you're listening to Sinatra or Daft Punk.<br /><br />The V5AP is the AirPlay-specific version of Wren's V5 speaker dock (there's also an Android version, and a Bluetooth-enabled model on the way) that takes its sleek design cues from the soft curves of mid-century design. But don't let the sleek look fool you—the Wren is decked out with USB connectivity, an aux input, and a well-designed remote control for maximum flexibility.<br /><br />Setting up the Wren was a simple matter of connecting an iPhone via USB. There's a Dock Connector cable in the box, but iPhone 5 users can swap in their own Lightning cable. Pressing a button on the back tells Wren to grab the Wi-Fi settings from your device, and the entire process was done in under five seconds. It's the easiest AirPlay setup we've ever done — other speaker makers should take note. <br /><br />When it comes to sound, the Wren is a winner. Behind the sleek, curved cloth grille lies a pair of three-inch drivers, with 3/4-inch tweeters mounted on opposite sides to give the Wren a fairly wide soundstage. The whole thing is only 16 5/8 inches wide, but the Wren easily fills a room with music. Even better, there's plenty of power to spare. Pushed to the max, the Wren was capable of delivering clear tones across the spectrum, without much of the bass dropoff that's common among small (underpowered) speaker docks.<br /><br />The overall tone is balanced, with a pleasing crispness in the highs, and a satisfying, natural-sounding throb at the bottom — no matter the volume level. Buttons on the side let you easily switch between sources and control the volume, but I ended up using AirPlay most of the time, and sticking to the controls on my iPhone.<br /><br />Wren's wood veneer over MDF construction is solid and beautiful, and the sound is great. My only real complaint is that there was a significant lag in audio when using AirPlay. While other AirPlay-equipped devices start playing audio within three to five seconds, the Wren takes about 20 seconds to kick in. Worse, streams often cut in with a jarring static-y click that caused me to jump every time.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line</strong>. Wren's great sound and good looks are fitting for its $400 price tag, but the long lag time to get your AirPlay tunes going is disappointing.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.wrensound.com" target="_blank">Wren V5AP</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-company">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Wren Sound Systems </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.wrensound.com" target="_blank">www.wrensound.com</a></p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-price">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
$399 </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-requirements">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>AirPlay enabled Mac or iOS device.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-positives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>Beautiful design. Great full-range sound. Supports AirPlay, USB and 3.5mm aux-in audio. Bamboo or rosewood finish.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<!--paging_filter--><p>15-20 second lag time. Music cuts in with a burst of static.</p> </div>
</div>
</div>
</fieldset>
http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/wren_v5ap_review#commentsReviewsMacMusicsoundspeakersWren V5APMon, 23 Sep 2013 21:29:22 +0000Ray Aguilera18135 at http://www.maclife.comThe Week's Best Deals for Your Mac and iOS Device, September 19http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_september_19
<!--paging_filter--><p>We've got cases for your new iPhone, cases for your old iPhone, and everything in between. You like color? We've got color. You want protection, we've got protection. You want a refurb Mac Air, heck yeah, we got that. Suffice to say, we gotta little something for everyone.</p><h3>Mac</h3><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Refurbished Apple TV&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/apple_tv_in_hand_380px.jpg" width="380" height="366" /></p><p>Well, there was no refreshed model of <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD199LL/A/refurbished-apple-tv">Apple TV last week</a> and no love from Apple for ATV's version of iOS either, but you can still grab one of these little hobbyist pucks for only $75.</p><p><strong>Refurbished 11.6-inch MacBook Air 1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/apple-macbook-air-side-view.jpg" width="448" height="478" /></p><p>We've shown you this great deal before, a refurb Air that's only <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD223LL/A/refurbished-macbook-air-17ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5">a little more than a year old</a>, which is nothing in Mac years. $749 gets you this baby.</p><p><strong>Refurbished 11.6-inch MacBook Air 1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/apple_116inch_macbook_air14ghz_64_gb_710257_g2.png" width="400" height="266" /></p><p>There's also this <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD224LL/A/refurbished-macbook-air-17ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5">nearly identical model</a> with twice the storage for $50 more at $799.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.5GHz Dual-core Intel i5</span></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/macbook_pro.jpeg" width="326" height="326" /></p><p>If the smaller hard drive and <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD101LL/A/refurbished-macbook-pro-25ghz-dual-core-intel-i5">lighter weight and faster boot times</a> aren't enough for you and you need that much faster processor and bigger hard drive, $999 puts it all right in your hand with almost 2 more inches of screen too.</p><p><strong>Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro 2.5GHz Dual-core Intel Core i5 with Retina Display</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/macbook_pro2.1.png" width="400" height="226" /></p><p>Or you can trade Retina Display and flash storage for the ATA. Sure it's <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD212LL/A/refurbished-macbook-pro-25ghz-dual-core-intel-core-i5-with-retina-display">less space</a>, but with the $250 you save on this $1,249, you can buy a couple of really sweet TBs worth of external hard drive space.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Refurbished 21.5-inch iMac 2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5</span></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/imac1_4.png" width="363" height="348" /></p><p>This is $20 more than the above model, but you'll be desk bound. $1,269 will buy you <a href="http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD094LL/A/refurbished-imac-29ghz-quad-core-intel-core-i5">8 crazy gigs of memory</a> plus a full TB of hard drive.</p><p><strong>11.6-inch MacBook Air 1.3 GHz Dual-Core Intel i5&nbsp;</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/macbook_air_7.jpeg" width="326" height="326" /></p><p>Of course if new is what you're after, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-MD711LL-11-6-Inch-VERSION/dp/B00746YHV6">Amazon shaved $50 off</a>&nbsp;the sticker on this Air for only $948.99.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">15.4" MacBook Pro 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina display</span></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/113859-macbook-pro-laptop.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></p><p>Also in the new category, but a bit pricier is this<a href="http://www.macmall.com/p/Apple-MacBook-Pro/product~dpno~9232232~pdp.hgcijcg"> $350 off Pro for $1,849</a>. 8GB memory and 256 flash storage hooks you up at MacMall.</p><p><strong>Mac Product Key Finder Pro</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/keyfinder_0.png" width="400" height="348" /></p><p>Mavericks is coming soon and some of you will restore from Time Machine, some will go all fresh and new. Before you do that though, grab your product keys with <a href="http://www.maczot.com/">this handy dandy utility</a> half off to $12.48. It'll find those pesky keys so you can easily reinstall everything you need.</p><p><strong>Seagate Backup Plus for Mac 1TB USB 3.0</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/seagate_backup_plus_for_mac_1tb_usb_3.0_0.png" width="299" height="401" /></p><p>Remember when we told you you could <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178260">spend the money</a> you saved above on an external hard drive? Well, here's one TB for you for only $84.99. Nice deal.</p><h3>iOS Accessories</h3><p><strong>RAVPower® 6000mAh/2.1A Output Power Bank</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/ravpower_0.png" width="400" height="268" /></p><p>You need to provide your own Lightning cord, but <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0SC-000Y-00033">this little power block</a> claims it'll recharge your iPhone battery up to 5 times. Now that's some serious juice to carry for only $37.99, and it's MFI-certified. Sweet.</p><p><strong>Extra Long 3M 10 Foot Lightning to USB Cable</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/extra_long_lightning_to_usb_0.png" width="193" height="304" /></p><p>And here's just <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Extra-Lighting-iPhone-Generation-Purple/dp/B00EDW5538/?tag=dealnewscom">the cable you need</a>, going for only $3.99. Not too shabby.</p><p><strong>Retro iPhone Alarm Dock</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/retro_iphone_alarm_dock_2.png" width="339" height="218" /></p><p>We suppose if you have a retro iPhone 4 series, this retro <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/retro-iphone-alarm-dock/3298542?origin=category-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=0&amp;fashionColor=&amp;resultback=0&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_A">alarm clock dock</a> is one way to hook it up. That might explain the cut-rate prices, but we still admit it's a slick looking set up.</p><p><strong>iHealth BP3 Blood-Pressure Monitor</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/ihealth_bp3_blood-pressure_monitor_0.png" width="400" height="287" /></p><p>The things that you can do with an iPhone… Like, how about <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ihealth-bp3-blood-pressure-monitor-for-iphone">measure your blood pressure</a>? $40 through Groupon and you're set.</p><p><strong>iOttie Sprinkle Protective iPhone 5 Case</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/iottie_sprinkle_protective_iphone_5_case_0.png" width="425" height="419" /></p><p>Wanna add <a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-iottie-sprinkle-case-for-iphone-5-1">a dash of color</a> to your iPhone 5 or 5S? Well for $9.99 get the iOttie that'll protect it from drops and falls like nobody's business.</p><p><strong>iHOME &nbsp;Portable Stereo Alarm Clock Speaker for iPod / iPhone</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/ihome__portable_stereo_alarm_clock_speaker_for_ipod__iphone_0.png" width="318" height="301" /></p><p>$40 turns your iPhone into <a href="://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_018W003423601001P?sid=KAx20050824x65xDealcoupon&amp;aff=Y&amp;PID=552179&amp;AID=11042397">a clock radio</a> that charges it up and rocks out your tunes. Hit up the Blue Light Special, people.</p><p><strong>Snap-On Protective Image Case and Screen Protector for iPhone 5C - Beard Rabbit Pink</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/__snap-on_protective_image_case_and_screen_protector_for_iphone_5c_-_beard_rabbit_pink_0.jpg" /></p><p>Sure the 5C comes in color, but <a href="http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-19313/apple-iphone-5c-case/Detail">not like this</a> and only $5.95 to boot.</p><p><strong>Snap-On Protective Image Case and Screen Protector for iPhone 5C - Elephant&nbsp;</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/snap-on_protective_image_case_and_screen_protector_for_iphone_5c_-_elephant__0.jpg" width="364" height="364" /></p><p>They call this case pink but it looks <a href="http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-19309/apple-iphone-5c-case/Detail">more orange</a> to us, but no matter. $5.95 and your iPhone 5C is even cuter.</p><p><strong>3D Diamond Jewel Case and Screen Protector for iPhone 5C</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/3d_diamond_jewel_case_and_screen_protector_for_iphone_5c_0.jpg" width="358" height="358" /></p><p>The iPhone 5S might have its champagne, but <a href="http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-19336/iphone-5c-3d-diamond/Detail">you've got color and you've got diamond</a>, 5C owners. $10.95 gives you all the style and fun you can stand.</p><p><strong>Spot Diamond Case and Screen Protector for iPhone 5</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/spot_diamond_case_and_screen_protector_for_iphone_5_0.jpg" width="359" height="359" /></p><p>It'll fit the iPhone 5S as well, since the specs are supposedly the same, so for $8.98, someone's gonna <a href="http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-19082/iphone-5-bling-diamond/Detail">get a little champagne </a>in their Hello Kitty. Wait, that sounded wrong…</p><p><strong>Naztech Vault Waterproof Cover for iPhone 5</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/naztech_vault_waterproof_cover_for_iphone_5.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></p><p>We worry about our iPhones plenty, but rarely do we worry about <a href="http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-18837/iphone-5-naztech-vault/Detail">dropping it in water</a>. For those of you who do, this $39.99 case locks things up tighter than Mr. Krabs' fists.</p><h3>Really Darn Cheap</h3><p><strong>Privacy Screen Protector for iPhone 5 / 5S</strong></p><p><img src="/files/u124583/privacy_screen_protector_for_iphone_5__5s.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></p><p>Keep prying eyes out of your business with <a href="http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-13972/iphone-5S-privacy-screen/Detail">this screen protector</a> action that'll hook you up with safe viewing for only 2 bucks.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weeks_best_deals_your_mac_and_ios_device_september_19#commentsNewsalarm clock dockApple TVblood pressureDealsExternal Batteryexternal hard driveiMaciphone 5iphone 5 caseiPhone 5Ciphone 5C caseiPhone 5Siphone 5S caseiphone casesiPhone docklightning cableMacBookmacbook airmacbook proprice dropsSpeaker Docksspeakersweekly dealsFri, 20 Sep 2013 23:30:10 +0000J Keirn-Swanson18110 at http://www.maclife.comVideo: Spotify Connect Allows Users to Beam Music Anywhere in the Homehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/video_spotify_connect_allows_users_beam_music_anywhere_home
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/spotify_connect_620px.png" alt="Spotify Connect" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Spotify has officially entered "take no prisoners" mode with a new feature for iOS users that allows Premium subscribers to shift their music into any room, assuming they have the right hardware.<br /><a href="http://press.spotify.com/se/2013/09/03/spotify-connect-the-new-way-to-play-at-home/" target="_blank"><br />Spotify today announced</a> a new feature for the company's iPhone, iPod touch and iPad app called Spotify Connect. Together with supported hardware from leading manufacturers, Connect promises to make putting music where you want to hear it "simple, seamless and hassle-free."<br /><br />“Today, listening to music at home can be a frustrating experience -- dropouts, below-par audio quality, signal range and phone restrictions, battery drainage, it’s basically a hassle,” says Sten Garmark, VP Product Management at Spotify. “Spotify Connect solves this by giving you effortless control of your music across your phone, tablet and now speakers with millions of songs built right in.”<br /><br />To take advantage of Spotify Connect, you'll first need the right hardware -- the feature will be baked into new lines of speakers and home audio systems from Argon, Bang &amp; Olufsen, Denon, Hama, Marantz, Philips, Pioneer, Revo, Teufel and Yamaha, with other brands coming in the future.<br /><br />The AirPlay-style feature looks pretty slick from the company's promo video, but users will also need an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad with a Spotify Premium subscription, although Connect is rolling out gradually "over the coming months," when it will also debut on both Android and desktop apps.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WWT4o9AwuT0" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/video_spotify_connect_allows_users_beam_music_anywhere_home#commentsNewsairplayaudio hardwareaudio systemsmusic streamingPremiumspeakersSpotifySpotify ConnectsubscriptionsiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 03 Sep 2013 14:33:56 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17935 at http://www.maclife.com